Internet luring of a child in Colorado Springs is a crime that involves sexual communication with kids online. When these conversations turn to suggestions of meeting in person, intense criminal charges can follow. While these situations often involve carefully orchestrated sting operations, others can stem from intoxicated adults on social media sending messages they shouldn’t. The specificity of internet luring can sometimes help a defendant who was misunderstood or didn’t know the other person was under the age of 15. If you or someone you know is facing accusations of luring children online, contact an experienced criminal lawyer right away.
Colorado Springs Internet Luring Law
El Paso County’s internet luring law prohibits trying to meet up with young teens after sexual communication online. CRS 18-3-306 defines internet luring of a child throughout Colorado. You commit this sex offense in Colorado Springs, Fountain, or Security-Widefield if you:
- knowingly communicate descriptions of explicit sexual conduct electornically,
- to someone under 15 who is also more than 4 years younger than you,
- AND you make statements persuading or inviting them to meet you
Notice the specific age parameters within this particular offense. It protects certain communication between young teenagers and their peers or older high school students.
How Serious is Internet Luring in El Paso County?
Internet luring of a child is at minimum a class 5 felony in El Paso, Douglas, and Arapahoe County. A conviction can lead to:
- a prison sentence of 1 – 3 years,
- fines of $1K – $100K,
- sex offender registration
However, if the intent of meeting in-person was to sexually exploit the child or touch their intimate parts, a class 4 felony applies. This can increase the fine amount substantially and as much as double the prison sentence. Defendants can also be sentenced to difficult sex offender intensive supervised probation as an alternative to or after a period of incarceration.
How to Fight Internet Luring Allegations in Colorado
To fight internet luring charges in Colorado, defendants must exercise their right to remain silent when police start asking questions. Next, they should contact an experienced sex crimes attorney.
We have decades of combined experience successfully navigating sex offenses alongside those who’ve been overcharged, falsely accused, or made poor decisions. Perhaps you didn’t know or believe you were messaging someone under 15, sexual conduct wasn’t discussed, or there weren’t suggestions to meet. Nevertheless, contact our office today. We offer free consultations, same-day jail visits, and flexible payment plans for those facing allegations in Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, and Falcon.
Don’t talk to police about internet luring charges – talk to us. 719-377-3544
Photo by Fritz Rehde
